After skyping with an expert in oral history, students need to think and create a list of questions they plan to use in their interview. Story Corps has a complete list of questions that work well in interviews but this is rather overwhelming when taken as a whole. Fortunately, Story Corp has created a question generator which allows students to check the questions they like and to add their own. The list is then printable.
Discuss the basic steps with the students and review the form that they are filling out with their interview partner.
5 Basic Steps to Your Interview:
1. Welcome: Answer any questions your interview partner has before beginning. 2. Prep: Do the paper work. Fill out the form with name, address, family connection information and permission to record and post the interview. 3. Soundcheck: Once you and your interview partner are settled, make sure you are positioned well for recording and check the audio levels. 4. Interview: Use your question list, but remember they are just suggestions to get you started. Trust your instincts. When you hear something that
moves you, ask more questions. Sometimes your storyteller will need "permission" to explore a certain topic; you can simple say "Tell me more". Feel
free to ask questions in whatever order feels right, don't let the printed questions get in the way. Real moments are the best moments.
Some tips for helping the conversation flow:
Look at your storyteller's eyes, not the microphone. Stay interested.
Bring a bottles of water for you and your interview partner.
Be yourself; you can laugh or even cry with your storyteller
Emotional questions like "how does this make you feel?" often elicit thoughtful responses. Don't be afraid to ask
Be curious and honest and keep an open heart. Great things will happen.
5. Photos: Finally, have someone take a photo of you and your interview partner, both together and separately. These photos will be posted with the interview.
(These steps are adapted from Story Corps' What to Expect Article.)
Story Corp sponsors "A Day of Listening" on Nov. 25. No matter when the students' interviews occur, this Do-It-Yourself Instruction Guide has helpful hints.
Story Corp Question List
Story Corp Question Generator
Discuss the basic steps with the students and review the form that they are filling out with their interview partner.
5 Basic Steps to Your Interview:
1. Welcome: Answer any questions your interview partner has before beginning.2. Prep: Do the paper work. Fill out the form with name, address, family connection information and permission to record and post the interview.
3. Soundcheck: Once you and your interview partner are settled, make sure you are positioned well for recording and check the audio levels.
4. Interview: Use your question list, but remember they are just suggestions to get you started. Trust your instincts. When you hear something that
moves you, ask more questions. Sometimes your storyteller will need "permission" to explore a certain topic; you can simple say "Tell me more". Feel
free to ask questions in whatever order feels right, don't let the printed questions get in the way. Real moments are the best moments.
Some tips for helping the conversation flow:
- Look at your storyteller's eyes, not the microphone. Stay interested.
- Bring a bottles of water for you and your interview partner.
- Be yourself; you can laugh or even cry with your storyteller
- Emotional questions like "how does this make you feel?" often elicit thoughtful responses. Don't be afraid to ask
- Be curious and honest and keep an open heart. Great things will happen.
5. Photos: Finally, have someone take a photo of you and your interview partner, both together and separately. These photos will be posted with the interview.(These steps are adapted from Story Corps' What to Expect Article.)
Story Corp sponsors "A Day of Listening" on Nov. 25. No matter when the students' interviews occur, this Do-It-Yourself Instruction Guide has helpful hints.